Ford’s Midsize SUV developed in collaboration with Mahindra will likely rival Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass
The partnership with Mahindra is one of the key aspects for Ford’s domestic success in the long term. On a positive note, both the companies are exploring different possibilities utilising their strengths and it’s another mutually beneficial relationship that will hold importance in more aspects than one.
Ford turned profit for the first time in nearly a decade in India in FY18 with Rs. 526 crore, as opposed to Rs. 521 crore loss in the previous fiscal, and it will be keen to carry on with this momentum in the coming years. Mahindra and Ford penned down a deal in September 2017 with future mobility, developing new products and co-operation in EV solutions in mind.
The American auto major will likely be assisting Mahindra in expanding its footprint in global arena while the latter will help Ford in increased market penetration locally. Back in March 2018, both the companies signed more deals and the firmed up relation will result in a brand new midsize SUV.
For lowered cost of production, the upcoming midsize SUV will be based on Mahindra’s architecture with high localised content. Moreover, Ford will be involved in Research & Development area capitalising on its vast expertise. It appears that the midsize SUV will bear a Mahindra badged version as well.
Both the SUVs will share several underpinnings while Mahindra has recently been confirmed to manufacture a BSVI compliant engine for Ford and it could be used in the midsize models. As zero-emission mobility is another key aspect of their tie up, rumours based on the Ford Aspire using Mahindra’s EV platform have not extinguished either.
The midsize SUV from Ford is expected to launch by the end of this decade with the design inspired by its global range. More details regarding it have not been known but it could be positioned against the likes of Jeep Compass and Hyundai Creta as high volume can be anticipated in the Rs. 12-18 lakh segment.